Science budget Australia's science community is largely relieved after escaping major cuts in last night's budget, although there remain questions over the health of the 'science ecosystem'.

A boost to maths and science education and the maintenance of Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council funding are among the moves in last night's Federal Budget welcomed by science lobby groups.

"The government's shown strong leadership and shown that it recognises the importance to the future prosperity of this country of investing in research, innovation and science and maths education," says Professor Suzanne Cory from the Australian Academy of Science.

The government has announced an extra $54 million over four years to boost science education, including $5 million for the Academy's Primary Connections and Science by Doing school programs.

"We have some very serious problems in Australia around attracting and keeping kids in science. A lot of evidence points to the quality of teaching of science and maths so this goes directly to influence that end of the spectrum."

Both Arabia and Cory say the funding is a testament to the influence of the chief scientist, Professor Ian Chubb.

But Cory is "disturbed" by cuts to CSIRO's budget. The agency will lose $25 million over four years. Its annual budget consists of over $700 million from the government and around $500 million from other sources.

The CSIRO Staff Association says the cuts were expected as a result of the government's requirement for the agency to increase its efficiency.

"We're disappointed it was applied as the only way CSIRO can meet this is through losing jobs," says Sam Popovski of the Association. He says CSIRO is expected to lose 116 jobs over the next year but it was unclear in what areas.

'Science ecosystem'

Despite feeling relief that cuts were not worse, Arabia warns future budgets need to better consider the health of the "entire science ecosystem".

Some of her concerns have been echoed by the Academy of Science and the university sector.

"There are some basic elements that make a robust science, research and innovation system and Australia doesn't have those basic elements in place," she says.

"While I'm glad we've been able to maintain what we've been able to maintain, in some ways there was nothing left to cut."

Arabia says Australian science's globally competitiveness is held back by a lack of support for international science linkages and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, as well as a comparatively low rate of investment in science as a percentage of gross domestic product.

She also says Australia is ignoring the commercial end of the research spectrum and describes as "unproductive" the termination of an innovation investment fund to stimulate venture capital.

She also says a healthy "science ecosystem" would include better understanding of science in society, and better science communication.